Ground-based remote-controlled snow removal device

Abstract

Snow removal from roofs is physically demanding work that involves the risk of falling. To resolve these problems, there is a need for safe and easy methods of snow removal. [Solution] The snow removal tool of the present invention attempts to remove snow by operating three ropes connected to the snow removal tool body installed on the roof from the ground, repeatedly raising and lowering them from the ridge to each eaves of the house roof. One rope supports the snow removal tool from the back of the house, while one of the other two ropes is used to operate the tool from the eaves to the ridge, and the other is used to operate it from the ridge to the eaves. This method allows for safe snow removal from the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ground remote operation type snow removal tool that enables snow removal without climbing onto the roof where the snow has accumulated on the roof.

Background Art

[0002] In Japan, there are many areas where a large amount of snow accumulates in winter. When a large amount of snow accumulates on the roof of a house, there is a risk of the building collapsing due to the weight, so snow removal work has to be carried out. Moreover, snow removal work often relies on manual labor, and every year, accidents and troubles caused by snow, such as falls during roof snow removal, falling of snow drifts, and falls due to freezing, never stop.

[0003] Therefore, a means that can safely remove snow without climbing onto the roof is required. Patent Document 1 is a method of scraping snow using a net, and it is doubtful whether efficient snow removal can be achieved. Also, there remains a doubtful point in that the pulling direction of the string does not match the snow scraping direction. Moreover, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 require a power source and a drive source, and it is difficult to say that any of them can be widely popularized as a snow removal tool for general houses.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005]

Patent Document 2

[0006]

Patent Document 3

[0007] Patent application 2006-75934 (P2006-75934)

[0008] [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3252982 (U3252982) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In heavy snowfall areas, many of the problems with snow accumulation on houses arise from the need for snow removal. Inevitably, the challenge lies in snow removal itself, which requires climbing onto the roof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The solution to this problem is to find a way to safely and easily remove snow from roofs without having to climb onto them. This invention relates to a snow removal tool that can be placed on the roof and operated from the ground, thereby enabling snow removal without having to climb onto the roof. Simply put, to remove snow without having to climb onto the roof, you need to operate the snow shovel from the ground. For example, while a kite is something that is operated from the ground, focusing on the function of each element involved in flying a kite, rather than just the image of the kite itself, can offer valuable insights. The wind's function is to pull the kite upward in the direction of the wind, as if pulling it from behind, and the string's function is to move it back and forth to control its position. Similarly, if we consider the spoon part of a shovel placed on a roof as a kite, the function of keeping the spoon part on the roof corresponds to the wind pulling the kite from behind, the two means of the handle and shaft correspond to the string that moves it back and forth, and if we consider the wind and string as three ropes, it becomes possible to operate it remotely. Snow that accumulates on the sloping surface of a roof, when it piles up thickly, puts a significant load on the house due to its own weight. The weight of the snow can be divided into two vectors: a load perpendicular to the roof surface and a load parallel to the roof's slope. Friction acts between the roof and the snow, and normally the aforementioned vector balances out with the opposite vector due to friction, causing the snow to remain on the roof. If you add an additional vector to the vector due to the snow's own weight, and it exceeds the frictional force, you can make the snow fall off the roof. If the spoon-shaped part can be subjected to an additional vector from the ground, snow removal becomes possible without having to climb onto the roof. The present invention relates to a snow removal tool and a snow removal method that enable such operations.

[0011] The main body of the snow removal tool of the present invention consists of a spoon-shaped part 1 and a suspension device (balancer) 2. Furthermore, a pulley 4, three ropes, and connecting parts such as eye bolts 3 are connected to the main body of the snow removal tool, and snow removal is achieved by operating the ropes. Assuming that pulley 4 at the end of rope A5 is placed near the ridge of the roof, the other end of rope A5 extends beyond the roof ridge and holds pulley 4 from the back of the house. Rope B6 is inserted into pulley 4 and can move freely via pulley 4. Rope C7 is connected to the spoon part 1 and moves together with the spoon part 1. When rope B6 is pulled, the main body of the snow removal tool is pulled up along the slope of the roof towards the ridge of the roof, and when rope C7 is pulled, the main body of the snow removal tool is pulled down along the slope of the roof towards the eaves, and the scoop part 1 can scrape down the snow.

[0012] Smooth movement is necessary when raising and lowering the slope of the roof. Generally, house roofs are not always flat; they are made of materials such as traditional Japanese tiles, slate, or metal. In particular, with traditional Japanese roof tiles, the upper tiles are stacked on top of the lower tiles to prevent leaks, so there is a part at the boundary that curves upwards towards the upper tiles. Therefore, when moving in the direction of the roof, it is necessary to devise a way to overcome the curved section. The spoon-shaped part 1, like a typical shovel, has a slope at the edge in the direction of raking snow down, making it easier to rake. On the other hand, when pulling up in the opposite direction, towards the ridge, the resistance can be reduced. In addition, for the connection between the spatula part 1, the suspension tool (balancer) 2, the rope B6, and the rope C7, a balancing method such as multi-point support used in general suspension work or the connection method of a kite and a thread is adopted. At the same time, the spatula part and the suspension tool (balancer) 2 are connected by a link that allows swinging or rotation. When moving in the gable direction, it will be in a posture following the roof slope, and when moving in the eaves direction, it will be in a posture suitable for scraping snow. The link connection can be achieved, for example, by using a set screw or a screw 12 with a spacer, or its application. A spacer is a part inserted under the bolt head to determine the distance between the bolt and the nut. With such multi-point support and link connection, the spatula part 1 achieves autonomous operation and facilitates remote operation by three ropes from the ground. It is desirable to provide an appropriate scooping angle for the shape of the spatula part 1 with respect to the snow surface. Regarding the material of the spatula part 1, although there is no limitation, a lightweight material such as resin is desirable if strength can be ensured. In the case of metal, attention should be paid to weight reduction, and it is desirable to take measures such as providing resin protrusions at both ends to prevent direct contact with the roof.

[0013] The spatula part 1 may have the following configuration. Circular flanges 14 with gears (sprocket) 10 attached are provided and connected at both ends of the shaft 16. The spatula part blades 9 are provided in the circumferential direction of the flange 14, so that a rotatable spatula part blade 9 supported by the suspension tool (balancer) 2 and the rotating shaft 15 is formed. In addition, the suspension tool (balancer) 2 is provided with a spring hook 11 that operates when the gear (sprocket) 10 rotates at a predetermined rotation angle. Similar to a manual winch, the spring hook 11 engages with the gear (sprocket) 10 when the spring operates and has a stopper function to stop rotation in only one direction. By doing so, when pulling the rope B in the gable direction and moving from the eaves to the gable, the rotary drum 8 rotates and the movement of rolling the roof becomes smooth. When pulling the rope C in the downward eave direction and moving from the gable to the eaves, at the optimal rotation position of the ladle part blade 9, the spring hook 11 provided on the hanger (balancer) 2 that supports the gear (sprocket) 10 and the rotating shaft 15 causes the spring hook 11 to operate and stop on the gear (sprocket) 10, enabling effective snow removal. Make such a ladle part 1 into a rotary drum 8.

[0014] With respect to the up-and-down movement, the left-and-right movement can be moved a certain extent by swinging the ropes A5, B6, and C7 in the left-and-right direction. However, by adding the rope D13 to the pulley 4 in addition to the rope A5 and pulling the rope D13 in the target direction, it becomes possible to move in the left-and-right direction. The rope D13 can be operated in either direction by 360 degrees. In addition, the basic operation method of the ropes is the same for both the ladle part 1 and the rotary drum 8.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] The snow removal tool of the present invention can remove snow without climbing onto the roof, so no falling accidents from the roof can occur. Even though snow accumulates on the roof, basically the roof has an inclination, so the accumulated snow itself has a vector in the inclined direction of the roof due to its own weight. Therefore, to make the accumulated snow fall, it is only necessary to obtain a plus α vector that assists the vector due to the weight of the snow itself. So, basically, even with a manually operated snow removal tool, snow removal is possible. Also, since it is an operation on the ground, it is easy to borrow hands if necessary and to use other auxiliary means.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the implementation method of the snow removal tool. (Example 1) [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the implementation method of the snow removal tool. (Example 1) [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall image of how the snow removal tool is used. (Example 1) [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the method of implementing a snow removal device in which the spoon part of Figure 1 is replaced with a rotating drum 8. (Example 2) [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the implementation method of a snow removal device in which the spoon part of Figure 1 is replaced with a rotating drum 8. (Example 2) [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the snow removal tool during use. (Example 1) [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the snow removal tool when the spoon part of Figure 6 is replaced with a rotating drum 8. (Example 2) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The main body of this snow removal tool is secured from the underside of the roof by rope A5, which crosses over the ridge. The method of retention can be any method that suits the current state of the house in question. For example, if there is a tree, you can tie it to the trunk, or you can insert an anchor into the ground, or if there is another fastening object, you can connect it to that. The snow removal tool is operated by repeatedly moving the scoop-shaped part 1 up and down by alternating between using rope B6, which lifts the main body of the snow removal tool via pulley 4 held at the top of the roof, and rope C7, which pulls the main body of the snow removal tool and pulls down the accumulated snow. Naturally, to avoid falling snow, it is necessary to operate the snow removal equipment from a safe distance away from the roof eaves. Therefore, the lengths of ropes B6 and C7 must be appropriately determined according to the local conditions.

[0018] Rope B6 and rope C7 may be joined at their ends to form a loop. Please note that prior preparation is required before using this snow removal tool. First, the snow removal tool body, which is connected to ropes B6 and C7 (which are connected via rope A5 and a pulley), is pulled up onto the roof from the opposite side of the slope where it will be installed using rope A5. Once the snow removal tool body is in the designated position, rope A5 is secured. This task can be done before or after snowfall, but preparing in advance will make it easier to start the snow removal work. If preparations are made in advance, snow removal can begin no matter when it snows. However, all three ropes should be secured to a fixed object. These operations can be performed manually, and basically require a two-person team including an operator and a supervisor / supporter. However, since it is ground-based work, it is easy to provide additional manpower. However, this does not rule out the use of a power source for auxiliary functions. It is also possible to easily perform the work by connecting it to some kind of power source, such as a vehicle, and towing the C7 rope.

[0019] When the spoon section 1 is replaced with a rotary drum 8, the configuration becomes that of Embodiment 2, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7. The combination of the gear (sprocket) 10 and the spring hook 11 is shown in the basic form in Example 2, but basically, once the optimal angle of the spoon blade 9 is determined, the number of teeth on the gear should be the same as the number of spoon blades 9. Also, the number of spoon blades 9 can be arbitrarily determined. In this example, there are four, but at least one is required, and if balance is taken into consideration, the spoon blades 9 can function with as few as three.

[0020] While vertical movement is possible, horizontal movement can be achieved to some extent by swinging ropes A5, B6, and C7 from side to side. Optionally, rope D13 may be added to the connection point between rope A5 and pulley 4. By pulling rope D13 in the desired direction, horizontal movement becomes easily achievable. Rope D13 can be oriented in any direction within 360 degrees.

[0021] By the way, the ease of removing snow that is subject to snow removal varies greatly depending on the amount of snow, the time of year when snow removal is performed, and the location of the snow. Immediately after snowfall, the snow is soft and fresh, but over time it turns into ice and hardens. In the case of roofs made of traditional Japanese tiles, when ice and snow form, they get stuck in the uneven surface, making snow removal increasingly difficult. Therefore, it's important to note that no single snow removal tool is necessarily universally effective, as the situation varies depending on the thickness, hardness, and location of the accumulated snow. Thus, when determining the dimensions, it's necessary to focus on a specific target. [Examples]

[0022] Example 1 is a snow removal tool that uses three ropes to operate a plate-shaped spoon-shaped section 1 with a scooping angle, repeatedly moving it up and down from the ridge to the eaves of a house roof to remove snow. It consists of a rope A5 connected to a pulley at one end, a rope B6 connected to the upper end of the spoon section 1 via a lifting device (balancer) 2 at one end and further connected to rope A5 via a pulley 4, and a rope C7 connected to the lower end of the spoon section. The connection points with ropes B6 and C7 are supported at multiple points and linked together, allowing the connection points to swing or rotate, and the scoop section to autonomously change its posture. When moving towards the ridge, it swings or rotates autonomously to minimize resistance, and when moving towards the eaves, the scoop section blade 9 autonomously stops at an angle suitable for sweeping snow. A fourth rope D is also available as an option. Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6 show Example 1, and Figure 3 shows an overall image of Example 1. [Examples]

[0023] Example 2 is a snow removal tool in which the spoon part 1 is replaced with a rotating drum 8 compared to Example 1. When rope B6 is pulled towards the ridge and the machine moves from the eaves to the ridge, the rotating drum 8 rotates, resulting in a smooth rolling motion along the roof. When rope C7 is pulled towards the underside of the eaves and the machine moves from the ridge to the eaves, the spring hook 11 on the balancer 2, which supports the gear (sprocket) 10 and the rotating shaft 15, activates on the gear (sprocket) 10, stopping it at the optimal rotation position of the scoop blade 9, enabling effective snow removal. A fourth rope D is also available as an option. Figures 4, 5, and 7 show Example 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0024] Japan has many regions that suffer from heavy snowfall, including areas with heavy snowfall. Even today, snow removal is still carried out using traditional methods, such as climbing onto the roof and removing it from the ground. Being freed from dangerous tasks such as excessive strain from snow removal and accidents from falling from roofs is also socially beneficial. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 1 spoon 2. Lifting device (balancer) 3 eye bolts 4 Pulleys 5 Rope A 6 Rope B 7 Rope C 8-rotation drum 9. Spoon blade 10. Gears (sprockets) 11 Spring Hook 12 sets of screws, or screws with spacers 13 Rope D 14 Flange 15 Rotation axis 16 shafts

Claims

1. A snow removal device installed on a roof for the purpose of removing snow accumulated on the roof of a house, comprising: a scoop section for sweeping snow toward the eaves; rope A with a pulley connected to one end and a free end for operation; rope B connected to the scoop section at one end and connected to rope A via a pulley, with the other end being a free end for operation; and rope C connected to the scoop section, with the other end being a free end for operation. The free end of rope A is provided for fastening to any fixed structure, and the pulley at the other end is positioned on the slope on the eaves side near the ridge for snow removal. When the free end of rope B is pulled manually or by any auxiliary means, the scoop section moves toward the ridge, and when rope C is pulled, the scoop section moves toward the eaves. These operations are performed by operating the free ends of each rope from the ground.

2. The scoop portion of claim 1 is connected to a shaft with circular flanges fitted with gears at both ends, and a scoop blade for snow removal is provided on the circumferential direction of the flanges, straddling and supported by the flanges at both ends, thereby forming a rotatable rotary drum supported by a lifting device and a rotating shaft, and the lifting device is provided with a spring hook that operates when the gear is at a predetermined rotation angle, so that when rope B is pulled in the direction of the ridge and moved from the eaves to the ridge, the rotary drum rotates and rolls smoothly along the roof, and when rope C is pulled in the direction of the eaves and moved from the ridge to the eaves, the spring hook provided on the lifting device that supports the gear and the rotating shaft activates the spring hook on the gear at the optimal rotation position of the scoop blade and stops it, thereby enabling effective snow removal, the features of a ground-operated remote snow removal device and a snow removal method using the same.

3. A ground-operated snow removal tool and a method of operation using the same, characterized in that the connection parts of the spoon part and the rotating drum and the connection parts of rope B and rope C are connected by a multi-point support method and / or link connection, the connection parts swing or rotate, the spoon part takes on a posture that enables autonomous smooth movement, and when moving in the direction of the ridge, it takes on a posture that minimizes resistance or rolls autonomously, and when moving in the direction of the eaves, it takes on a desired posture suitable for sweeping snow or stops at a desired angle, thereby performing autonomous operation suitable for snow removal.

4. A ground-based remote-controlled snow removal device, and a method of using the same, characterized in that a rope D is connected to a pulley provided at one end of rope A as a means for controlling a position other than the vertical direction in addition to rope A, according to claims 1, 2, and 3.

Images